NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is heading towards its final journey as it prepares to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, nearly 22 years after its launch.
The 3,200-pound satellite was expected to fall from orbit on Wednesday and burn up over the tropics. NASA said any surviving fragments were unlikely to pose a threat to populated areas.
Satellite Approaches Atmospheric Re-entry
Launched in 2004, Swift has spent more than two decades observing powerful cosmic events. Its three telescopes have studied gamma-ray bursts, black holes, stars and other objects across the universe.
The observatory travels around Earth at approximately 17,000 miles per hour. However, it has no onboard propulsion system to maintain or raise its orbit.
NASA estimated that the satellite could re-enter at around 3:30am Eastern Standard Time. Other organisations provided different estimates, reflecting uncertainty about the exact timing.
The US Space Force placed the risk of harm to anyone on Earth at approximately one in 2,100.
Rescue Mission Ends in Failure
NASA had attempted to extend Swift’s operational life through a robotic rescue mission. In July, NASA and Arizona-based startup Katalyst launched a spacecraft named LINK. Its mission was to approach Swift, attach itself to the observatory and move it into a higher orbit.
However, LINK began spinning uncontrollably shortly after reaching space. Mission managers abandoned the rescue effort by mid-August.
The mission also aimed to demonstrate technology for repairing and maintaining satellites in orbit.
Two Decades of Space Discoveries
Swift was initially designed for a two-year primary mission. Instead, it continued operating for more than two decades.
Its observations helped scientists study gamma-ray bursts, among the most powerful explosions known in the universe. The observatory also examined galaxies powered by supermassive black holes and other cosmic phenomena.
Its atmospheric re-entry marks the end of a mission that significantly exceeded its original operational lifespan.
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